Does anyone have experience of contracting through an agency that's on the brink of collapse? I'm working through an IT agency based out of Richmond right now for a large client in the City; and there's a lot of talk around cashflow issues with them (the agency, not the client) - now my pay is being affected.

How should I approach my client to tell them that I'm worried as to my ongoing contract? The agency have never been very forthcoming with information and I don't like working through them but I have no choice as they had the client I wanted to work for - their office staff just ignore my calls and e-mails asking for clarification.

Firstly let me say welcome to the forums here. Secondly I don't think I can offer any meaningful advice on your problem, but hopefully somebody else here will do. Do you have a team leader or supervisor where you're currently placed? Perhaps you could try talking with them if you find them approachable?

Indeed a big welcome to the forums here štetka. If I can offer any advice or be of any help with anything at all please do ask. With regards to your difficult situation I echo the thoughts mentioned here already. Could you talk to somebody you feel you can trust where you're currently working? I would have thought that the client of the recruitment agency you're working for must have good relations with the agency. If your pay is starting to be affected you probably should approach somebody as soon as you can as if they aren't aware of what's happening they would certainly want to know I'd imagine? I hope this helps in some small way.

Check if the agency are a member of the recruitment and employment federation and if they are you may be able to contact the REC to ask for advice.

Another option is to go down to the agency itself and ask them what is happening and share your concerns. You may find that they have some sort of factoring solution in place which means you will be paid.

You mention that your pay is being affected - does this mean that they are not paying you? If this is the case, they are likely to be in breach of their contract with you - check your contract and see if this is the case. If it is raise this formally with the agency

You also have the option of talking to the client - i.e. the person that you are doing work with. You can ask your manager for advice and/or speak to the person in the company who contracts with the agency and express your concern and ask for advice.